“It’s still a fair few years away [the Isuzu joint venture] and more likely post 2020. The current BT-50 is here to stay until we are ready to launch the next generation. We don’t have any plans for updates at this stage [in line with Ranger],” Bhindi said.

Mazda doesn’t seem all that fussed that the BT-50 won’t be benefit from any major change, with Bhindi suggesting that the brand isn’t chasing fleet sales like some of its competitors.

“Our business focus is private buyers, like Mums and Dads, while Ranger and to a certain extent, they fight it out for fleets, governments…we don’t play in that game. The numbers don’t reflect that on face value,” Bhindi said.

“We’d always love more [sales], but it’s more for ‘Mums and Dads’.”

The Mazda BT-50 shares its T6 platform with the Ford Ranger, which recently received a facelift and adopted electrically assisted steering in lieu of the hydraulic unit currently fitted to the BT-50.

While it may not have the latest tech, the BT-50 remains a value buy and an entry point into the excellent Mazda service and dealer network.